December 2017

20/12/17

New World 2

The Grevelingen lake in the Netherlands is the largest saltwater lake in western Europe. After the great flood in the 50’s in the south-western part of the Netherlands, extensive sea defenses were made. The Grevelingen sea arm in the Rhine-Meuse estuary was dammed and closed off from the sea, essentially becoming an inland sea without tidal action. It is one of the largest protected areas in the Netherlands and yet virtually unknown to the Dutch population. It’s saltmarshes, islands and shell banks are very important for birdlife. But to me the biggest surprise is underwater. All it takes is to put on a dive mask and a snorkel, and a whole new world is revealed! This image was made while snorkeling at about a meter depth.